The festivities and fun of a home football game results in thousands of Penn Staters descending into Happy Valley for a weekend full of tradition and pride.

It is important to remember the key elements to a successful football weekend, and as a member of the Penn State Community, we need YOU to lead the way.

Tailgates
Pre- and post-game tailgating is a tradition that makes football Saturdays an exciting experience. Families and friends gather to enjoy food, drink, and the gameday atmosphere, creating Penn State memories that last a lifetime.

When tailgating, it is advantageous to aim to create the best possible tailgate atmosphere. Please follow parking regulations so that all fans can enjoy the Penn State experience. The areas of emphasis below continue to be very important when it comes to safety and the overall enjoyment of everyone on gamedays in Happy Valley:

Please pull your vehicle fully into your designated parking space to allow as much aisle room as possible. This allows for a safe tailgate zone and clears the way for any emergency vehicles and other patrons.

Please set up tents and chairs as close to the end (if not over the end) of your vehicle to allow ample space for emergency vehicles to pass through and patrons to get to and from their parking spot.

Please be considerate to others about expanding your tailgate space. Pay attention to where tents, chairs, and tables are placed, as it is polite to stay within the boundaries of each spot.

Courtesy and respect are crucial to a positive tailgating experience. While we are all Penn State fans, no one wants to have their space infringed upon by the tailgate right next to them!

Parking
With over 100,000 people coming to the stadium area on gameday, it is important to anticipate traffic and arrive early!

General Parking: The intramural fields surrounding the stadium are open for tailgating on a first-come, first-serve basis, so arrive early to ensure a good spot.

Reserved or Preferred Parking: Those who have these parking passes should follow the directions supplied with the parking pass. In reserved lots, each pass-holder should pull directly into their assigned space with their pass prominently displayed. All priority in preferred lots, for cars and RVs, ends ONE HOUR before kickoff in order to maintain traffic flow and facilitate lot entry.

As a reminder, parking lot patrons who are issued parking passes (General, Preferred or Reserved) are responsible for the behavior of all who use their parking space or attend their tailgate/gathering/event.

Beverages
Food and drink are what make a tailgate complete, so make sure you note the following:

Glass Bottles: Please keep in mind that glass bottles are prohibited. Use plastic bottles when tailgating. Even after clean up, broken glass can cause injury to livestock and to those participating in other Penn State activities beyond gameday.

Alcohol: Don't forget that alcohol is prohibited at tailgates in the lots around the stadium during the actual game.

Recycling: A Penn State recycling initiative means that you can help the environment and community while engaging in tailgating fun! Tailgaters can find trash and recycling bags at the dumpsters located throughout the lots. Please collect all trash before you leave and either take the bags to the dumpsters or leave them neatly tied in your spot, where they will be picked up later.

Penn State Community
One of the greatest things about Penn State football weekends is the community that is created both at tailgates and in the stadium. As members of the Penn State football community, we must set an example and strive to create a positive gameday atmosphere, especially when relating to other fans.

Please be courteous to all fans, even if they do not bleed blue and white. Our actions reflect on the football program and University, so it is important to live in the image of Penn State pride.

Welcome any opposing team fans and show them Penn State respect. While our teams clash on the field, it is important to respect visiting fans as we would like to be treated when Penn State visits their home. Show them why "We Are...Penn State."

Overall, demonstrate the class and pride that Penn State cherishes and the impact will be tremendous.

Take The Lead
On gamedays, contact us at 1-800-NITTANY (648-8269) with questions or to report a problem. This service is available from 8 a.m. until one hour after the completion of the game.

On behalf of Penn State Athletics and the Nittany Lion Club, thank you for contributing to the success of football weekends! Keep the tradition strong and set the example of a responsible, respectful, and enjoyable day for all Penn Staters to follow. Let's make Saturdays in Happy Valley the best college gameday atmosphere in the nation!